This Torta Maria Luisa is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. You can layer the cake with your favorite fruit preserve or jam.
As I've mentioned before, I get a lot of e-mails from my readers asking me for traditional Colombian recipes, Torta Maria Luisa being one of them. Well, after some phone calls to my family and friends in Colombia, I finally have this recipe for all of you that have requested it.
What is Torta Maria Luisa?
It's a cake layered with jam or dulce de leche very popular in Colombia and other Latin American countries.
Like many traditional recipes there are many versions of this cake depending of the cook and country. It's made with flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, milk, orange juice and zest. You can use your favorite preserves to layer your cake, but it is traditionally filled with berry preserves or jam.
Torta Maria Luisa Recipe (Maria Luisa Cake)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter at room temperature
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 cup berry marmalade for the filling or your favorite flavor
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of 2 nonstick, round baking pans. Set aside.
- In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder and orange peel. Mix for 20 seconds at low speed until the zest is incorporated. Add the orange juice, eggs, sugar and butter.
- Blend at low speed for 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a spatula, as needed.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake until golden and a cake tester inserted into the center of the cakes come out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely, about 1 hour.
- To assemble the cake: Arrange 1 cake layer, flat side up, on a cake stand. Using a spatula, spread the marmalade on top leaving a ½-inch border. Place the other cake layer on top of the existing layer then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut the cake into wedges with a slightly wet knife and serve.
Nutrition
If you are looking for the perfect cake for your next birthday, holiday or special event this Maria Luisa Cake is perfect for you.
Tips to Make this Recipe
*Don't over mix the batter or you’ll have a tough cake. Mix everything until just combined.
*The best way to let your butter come to room temperature is to take it out of the fridge 2 to 3 hours before using and let it sit on your kitchen counter.
*Make sure you allow the cake to cool fully before you add the jam. I like using strawberry jam, but you can use your favorite flavor, such as orange, guava, raspberry, blueberry or blackberry jam. I recommend using a good quality jam or make it at home.
More Cake Recipes to Try
Ruby
This cake did not turn out right for me. I made it exactly as shown and I couldn't get it. It turned out very dense and too greasy. The butter was all over the top of the cake. I tried it again with less butter and it still didn't work. It was not fluffy at all. Help! what am I doing wrong?
Erica
Ruby- It was perfect to me!
Anonymous
Try creaming the butter and sugar first, then add the remaining dry and wet ingredients in alternating stages while mixing.
Erica
Thank you everyone!
Sue
Erica, what size cake pan I have 8 and 9 inch round pans.
Erica
Sue- 8 inches.
Oysterculture
This sounds wonderful - I love the addition of marmalade. You say its traditional - is it traditionally served for a specific event? I'll be coming up with my own traditions to serve this one!
Karen
This looks wonderful! I made some marmalade earlier this year that would be a great filling for this!
Soma
Very sensual! I love anything orange dessert and this is sure a great one Erica. Will make this sometimes.
nazarina
Wow! this torta is to die for! yum. It looks so soft and yummy. No matter where we go, our roots are not far behind!
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
Looks like a lovely cake, Erica!
Norma
So moist... It reminds me od my childhood days
Joanne
That cake looks so moist and fluffy! I'm all about the citrus flavors lately so I love the orange marmalade infusion.
grace
this cake pretty much defines the word 'moist.' so tender and soft, so flavorful. excellent treat, erica--thanks for sharing the recipe!
Ivy
I also get the same from my Cypriot readers and have to make some phone calls back home to get some forgotten recipes.
The cake sounds delicious and looks great, airy and moist.
Velva
I can see why you have been receiving requests for this cake-delicious! I know I would love it...Is this an everyday cake or only for special occassions?
Erica
Velva-This is an everyday cake.
Bo
This really does look so delicious! I love orange marmalade!
Erica
Thank you all! I truly appreciate all your comments!
Faith
This looks so moist and yummy! I love the layer of orange marmalade!